LOYLE CARNER

There's a striking duality of hugo's bold, multilayered tracks and its often starkly intimate and tender lyricism, and that dichotomy is deliberate - it is a message for young Black men, but really, anyone, who is listening. Cognizant of the immense pain and fear and confusion that we are faced with everyday, Carner has thrown down the gauntlet, defying us not to rise above the fray, wake up each day and be ambitious.

Ambitious in building strong personal relationships. Ambitious in our pursuit of our goals. Ambitious in never refusing to back down against injustice. Rejecting the title of leader, Loyle Carner sees himself "as holding up a mirror", and that clearly translates into the album's universal messages.

Catch Loyle Carner on tour:

23 Feb Newcastle City Hall

24 Feb Liverpool The Mountford Hall

25 Feb Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse

27 Feb Glasgow O2 Academy

28 Feb Sheffield O2 Academy

2 Mar Norwich UEA

3 Mar Leicester O2 Academy

5 Mar Brighton Dome

6 Mar Nottingham Rock City

8 Mar Birmingham O2 Academy

9 Mar Bournemouth O2 Academy

11 Mar Cardiff Uni Great Hall

12 Mar Bristol O2 Academy

15 Mar London Eventim Apollo Hammersmith

16 Mar London OVO Wembley Arena

25 Mar Leeds Belgrave Music Hall

26 Mar Leeds Belgrave Musc Hall